Comparative Analysis of Remote Sensing-based Models for Determining The Groundwater Potential Zone Mapping

The maintenance of ecological diversity, public health, and economic expansion depends on appropriately managing groundwater supplies. This study focuses on the Markanda Watershed, a region characterized by its diverse topography, and pressing issues such as groundwater over-extraction, seasonal water shortages, and flooding. The analytic hierarchy process (AHP) and fuzzy AHP are two highly developed techniques and scientific ideas used in this work to discover groundwater potential zones (GWPZs). The GWPZs are determined employing 12 thematic layers. Using both approaches, these thematic maps are weighted based on their characteristics and water potential. Upon analysis with the AHP and Fuzzy-AHP, four zones – low 0.034% (0.0124 km2) and 13.535278% (4.8727 km2), moderate 44.59% (16.0532 km2) and, 37.17% (13.3812 km2), high 52.923% (19.0523 km2) and 42.2575% (15.21217 km2) and very high 2.450% (0.8821 km2) and 7.0372222% (2.5334 km2) were revealed in this study that indicate different levels of groundwater potential. Validation through Receiver Operating Characteristics (ROC) analysis indicates that the Fuzzy-AHP model achieves an accuracy of 76.3%, compared to 71.43% for the AHP model. Based on the study’s findings, a targeted groundwater management plan is proposed to optimize resource use and sustainability. High-potential zones should be prioritized for groundwater extraction and recharge. Moderate-potential areas require a balanced approach. Low-potential zones should focus on reducing groundwater dependence and enhancing surface water storage to prevent overexploitation. These strategies aim to ensure sustainable groundwater management, promote ecological balance, and support socio-economic development.